Board Members

Edens Davis | Chair

Edens Davis has strong issue-area expertise in economic development, transportation, natural resources, and agricultural policy; he is a trusted advisor to key decision-makers across the state of Georgia. Edens began his career as a political staffer for former Gov. Sonny Perdue’s successful re-election campaign, and then worked with the Republican Governors Association on races across the country. In 2010, he became a key member of then-Congressman Nathan Deal’s gubernatorial campaign. Upon Governor Deal’s election to office, Edens served on the transition team. Edens was named as the Governor’s local government liaison and served as a policy advisor for Governor Deal, overseeing critical issues areas such as natural resources, transportation, economic development and agriculture. Edens graduated from Emory University with a bachelor of arts in Political Science. He and his wife, Kirsten, are active at Capital City Club, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and several other charitable organizations in Atlanta.

John D'Andrea | Secretary/Treasurer

John D’Andrea is the Vice President of governmental affairs for Georgia Power. He is responsible for state and federal legislative matters, issues advocacy before the Department of Natural Resources board, and strategic third-party engagement to ensure informed and well-reasoned public policy is established for the company’s customers. Previously, D’Andrea served five years as Legislative Affairs Manager, and prior as Georgia Power’s Metro South Region Manager. He began his career with Georgia Power in 1982 working extensively in a variety of leadership positions including marketing, customer service and economic development. D’Andrea serves on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors, Camp Sunshine board, American Cancer Society, is chair of the Georgia Transportation Alliance, and has served on numerous community organizations boards in Georgia. He received his Bachelor’s from Presbyterian College, completed the Goizueta Executive Program at Emory University, the Wharton Executive Finance Program, and is alumnus of Leadership Cobb. D’Andrea is a Gulf War veteran with more than 15 years of military service.

Amy Hillman | Immediate Past Chair

Amy Hillman practices law in the areas of commercial real estate, land use, zoning and government relations. Amy graduated cum laude from the Florida State University honors program with majors in political science and urban planning. After working in the planning profession for two years, she attended Notre Dame University Law School from which she received her JD degree. Amy is a graduate of Leadership Forsyth and Leadership DeKalb. Amy is a member of the National Association of Women Lawyers and served on the 2009 Planning Committee for its mid-year meeting and Night of Giving. Amy has also served on the steering committee for the State Bar of Georgia Diversity Program. Amy and her husband have three children.

Chris Albrecht

Chris Albrecht has over 24 years of finance, accounting, and entrepreneurial experience in various companies and industries: underground utility construction, archery products, agriculture, entertainment promotions, entertainment production, artist management, guitar manufacturing, maritime recovery and insurance claims adjusting, nonprofit, marketing software, work comp and disability claims management, hunting and fishing guide and booking agent, real estate, state and local tax compliance, telecommunications, forest products, and banking. Albrecht studied at Mercer University and received his BBA in Accounting from Georgia State University. He was in Sigma Nu Fraternity, is a past chapter president of National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International Georgia board member and past Atlanta chapter treasurer, past chapter board member of Quail Unlimited, member of Trout Unlimited and Archery Trade Association, and serves on St. Ives Country Club marketing/membership committee. He and his wife, Lindsay, have a son and daughter, and live in Johns Creek.

Lonice Barrett

Lonice Barrett is a 52-year veteran of public service in Georgia, having served for 48 years with the State of Georgia in a variety of key positions under eight Governors. During his 34 years with DNR, he served a five-year stint as State Parks Director, nearly ten years as DNR Commissioner, and most recently 14 more years in the Governor’s Office, serving Governor Nathan Deal and his predecessor, Governor Sonny Perdue. Barrett and his wife, Carol, live in Dunwoody, are members of Dunwoody Baptist Church, and have two children and five grandchildren. Barrett is passionate about the Department of Natural Resources and its staff fulfilling their mission. He is an avid angler, hunter, and visitor to state parks, historic sites, and fish and wildlife management areas.

Dr. Richie Bland

Dr. Richie Bland is currently a practicing Radiation Oncologist and serves as the Medical Director of the Roy Richards Sr. Cancer Center in Carrollton, GA. He is also Director of Oncology Services for Tanner Health System- a 4 hospital system in west Georgia and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Carroll City/County Hospital Authority and the University of West Georgia. Previous board positions include the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, First Georgia Bank, and Greenway Medical Technologies. Dr. Bland graduated from Georgia Tech where he created and served as the original "Buzz" mascot. He followed his education at Georgia Tech with medical school and residency at the Medical College of Georgia. His favorite outdoor pursuit is big game hunting and is one of few to accomplish the Archery Super Slam—the taking of all 29 North American big game animals with a bow. Additionally, his conservation efforts have been concentrated on preserving the Altamaha river watershed. Dr. Bland grew up in Jesup, GA and he and his wife, Ava from Patterson, GA, have 3 children - Leah, Jay and Hunter.

Sara Clark

Sara Clark is a founding member of the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. Prior to being appointed to the Foundation Board she spent fourteen years as a member of the Board of Natural Resources and served as its year 2000 chair. During that time she was also a member of the North Georgia Mountains Authority and played an active role in the development of the Brasstown Valley Resort and the Retreat at Lake Blackshear. Other positions held by her have been President-Elect of the Georgia Environmental Council and member of the Lt. Governor’s Environmental Advisory Committee, helping to draft important paper recycling legislation. She also served on the Solid Waste Advisory Council, which was instrumental in drafting the Solid Waste Act for Georgia, and has been on the Advisory Board of the Trust for Public Land. She is a member of the League of Women Voters of Georgia and served two years as its state president. Sara has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing her commitment to public service. Currently she resides with her husband, Roddy, in Ringgold, Georgia where she is a member of the Planning and Zoning Board.

Jeff Foxworthy

Jeff Foxworthy is a Georgia-born comedian, television and radio personality, and author. He is a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a comedy troupe that also comprises Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. Known for his “you might be a redneck” one-liners, Foxworthy has released six major-label comedy albums. His first two albums were each certified three-time multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Foxworthy has also written several books based on his redneck jokes, as well as an autobiography entitled No Shirt, No Shoes…No Problem! Since 2007, he has been the host of the quiz show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? on Fox (2007–2009) and syndication (2009–2011). Foxworthy hosted a nationally syndicated radio show called The Foxworthy Countdown from April 1999 to December 2009. Foxworthy met his wife, Pamela Gregg, at the Punchline in Atlanta, GA and they married on September 18, 1985. They have two daughters, Jordan and Julianne. A noted hunting enthusiast, beginning when he was a teen hunting on his father’s farm property in middle Georgia, Foxworthy has appeared as host and featured guest on several programs on the Outdoor Channel and Versus.

Bill Jones III

Bill is Chairman of Sea Island Acquisitions, LLC and Chairman Emeritus of Sea Island Company. He currently serves as Chairman of the Georgia Historical Society Board of Curators and as a Director of the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. He is past Chairman of the Georgia Cancer Coalition, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Georgia Ports Authority. Mr. Jones’ personal recognition includes the Entrepreneur of the Year award for Principled Leadership from Ernst & Young, the Rock Howard Award for outstanding environmental achievement given by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service and the NAACP Freedom Award. Georgia Trend named him “Georgian of the Year” in 2004 for bringing the G-8 Summit to Sea Island. A long-time member of Ducks Unlimited, he received the Conservation Service Award from the DU Georgia chapter. He also serves on the advisory council of the Environmental Institute for Golf. A graduate of Valdosta State College, Bill and his wife, Sally, reside on Sea Island.

Robert D. Leebern, Jr.

Mr. Leebern is a Principal with Troutman Sanders Strategies where he leads the federal affairs practice and serves on the firm's Board of Directors. He is a member and supporter of various civic and charitable organizations in Atlanta and Washington, DC and has been deeply involved in successful Presidential, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and Gubernatorial campaigns. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia State Society of Washington, DC, Taste of the South, and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Rob served as Chief of Staff to The Honorable Saxby Chambliss during his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Appointed by Governor Nathan Deal, Rob serves on the North Georgia Mountains Authority Board, the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation Board, and the Board of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. He and his wife Wendy are members of Northside United Methodist Church. They have two children – Ava and Briggs.

Philip Wilheit, Jr.

Mr. Wilheit is a partner at Wilheit Packaging, LLC and owner of TargetMatz, LLC. He serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Hall County and John Jarrard Foundation. Wilheit is also a member of the Benedicts of Atlanta and sits on the Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia Advisory Board, the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Natural Resources Foundation, the North Georgia Mountains Authority, and the North Georgia Junior Achievement Board and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Wilheit earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University and a master’s in business from Georgia State University. He and his wife Addie, have two children.

Glen Wilkins

Glen Wilkins is Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. for Georgia and Alabama. Based in Atlanta, Glen has been with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. since 2004. Before joining Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Glen was the Director of Corporate Affairs for Century Strategies where he implemented national grassroots and grasstops projects for Fortune 100 companies. Prior to Century Strategies, Glen was the Campaign Manager for Bill Redmond, a candidate for U.S. Senate in New Mexico. Earlier, Glen was District Office Correspondent for Congresswoman Heather Wilson. At the same time, he served as the Opposition Research Coordinator for New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson’s successful 1998 re-election campaign. A native of New Mexico, Glen graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Political Science with a Minor in Communications and Journalism. He and his wife, Nicole, reside in Lawrenceville, Georgia with their two children.

Mark Williams

Mr. Williams serves as Chairman of the Coastal Marshlands and Shore Protection Committees and serves on the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation, the Land Conservation Council, the Jekyll Island Authority, the Sapelo Island Authority, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, the Governor’s Water Supply Program Task Force and the Georgia Aviation Authority boards. Commissioner Williams also serves on the boards of Hospice of South Georgia, the Savannah River Council, Wayne County Partners in Education and the Altamaha Area Boys and Girls Clubs. He is a director of Prime South Bank, past president of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and recipient of its 2011 Distinguished Service Award, past president of the Rotary Club, and served as chairman of the Wayne County Hospital Authority for four years. Mr. Williams represented the 178th district in the State House of Representatives for two terms from 2006-2010 and is a former high school teacher, football coach and is the owner of Harris Real Estate in Jesup. He is a veteran of the Army National Guard and earned the position of 1st Lieutenant when he was only 22 years old. Born in Valdosta, Commissioner Williams received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia College and State University. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Altamaha Wildlife Association and the Satilla Riverkeepers. Mr. Williams, his wife Pam and daughters Mary Katelyn and Miranda reside in Jesup in Wayne County and attend Unity Church of God.

Dr. J. David Allen | Founding and Emeritus Chairman

Dr. Allen attended Emory College and graduated from the Emory University School of Dentistry. He then spent two years on Active Duty wIth the Navy/US Marine Corps, stationed at the Naval Hospital, Camp LeJeune, NC. David then returned to Atlanta to perform his Internship and Residencies at Grady Memorial Hospital in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He opened his solo private practice in 1975 at Panola Road and I-20 East and expanded his practice to nine locations from Augusta to Atlanta and from Snellville to Athens employing eight doctors and 92 supporting staff. He retired from his corporation in 2010 to start his own Healthcare consulting company, Allen & Associates. He is a past President of the Georgia Dental Association, the DeKalb Unit of the American Cancer Society, the Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He was also an organizing Director of Atlantic Capital Bank and the National Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Malpractice Insurance Company. In 2015, he was selected as one of Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” for his work with the Foundation. David is also a past Chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club and a former member of the Zoo Atlanta and Yerkes Primate Center Boards and a former Curator of the Georgia Historical Society. He is now serving on the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board, the Board of Trustees of Emory University, the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Board and The Emory Clinic and Emory Healthcare Boards. On July 1, 2016, he began serving a 3-year term on the Safari Club International Foundation Board. David lives on his 279 acre farm that he placed a Conservation Easement on with the State of Georgia and the Oconee River Land Trust.

Established in 2010, the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the preservation of Georgia’s natural and cultural resources through projects, activities and programs of the Georgia DNR. We rely on donations and partnerships with individuals, corporations and other similarly aligned foundations to support our initiatives.